For so many years I’ve been wandering the hills of stone and grass here at Tilba. This winter I’ve been feeling the cold and my bones are aching. Also, I have been losing weight so my ribs are sahowing. Is there anything that can make life a little more comfortable for me? (Gerry, 25 years, Thoroughbred [retired], Tilba)

Dr Alan

Gerry, I fully appreciate your situation. At your age you deserve some comforts, blankets are a start. More frequent drenching would help and lets not forget the importance of looking after your teeth and feet. Also some added vegetable oil and some molasses in your feed will give you some needed energy to help ward off the cold. Your owner may want to discuss with your vet the benefits of using some non-steroid analgesics with or without some anabolic steroids to build you up a little and make you feel “young” again. Good Luck!